National costume of Indonesia

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a guard of honor during a state visit to Indonesia, 2018

Indonesia Museum Traditional Dress 01

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Three Balinese girls wearing kebaya

National costume of Indonesia refers to the traditional clothing that is worn by individuals in the Indonesian archipelago. Indonesia, being a culturally rich and ethnically diverse country, does not have a single national costume. Instead, it boasts a variety of traditional attires, each representing the different ethnic groups and cultures within the nation. These costumes are often worn during traditional ceremonies, festivals, weddings, and official events to showcase the country's cultural heritage.

Overview

The national costumes of Indonesia vary significantly from one region to another, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity. The most recognized traditional costumes include the Batik, Kebaya, and the Songket.

Batik

Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to the whole cloth, and it is a cultural heritage of Indonesia. In 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Batik is commonly used in various traditional garments, such as the Sarong, shirts, and dresses. The patterns and motifs in batik often carry symbolic meanings and vary regionally, with centers of batik production like Yogyakarta, Solo, and Pekalongan.

Kebaya

The Kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress combination that originates from Indonesia. It is made from sheer material such as silk, thin cotton, or semi-transparent nylon or polyester, adorned with brocade or floral pattern embroidery. Kebaya is often worn with a sarong or batik kain panjang, or other traditional woven garment such as ikat, songket with a colorful motif.

Songket

Songket is a fabric that belongs to the brocade family of textiles of the Malay world (today Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and Southern Thailand). It is hand-woven in silk or cotton, and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. Songket is a luxury product traditionally worn during ceremonial occasions as a symbol of status and wealth.

Regional Costumes

Indonesia's vast array of ethnic groups has led to a diverse range of regional costumes. Some notable examples include:

- The Baju Bodo of the Bugis people in South Sulawesi, considered one of the oldest traditional clothes in Indonesia. - The Ulos worn by the Batak people of North Sumatra. - The traditional Balinese costumes, which vary for men and women, and are typically worn during religious ceremonies and festivals. - The Dayak traditional dress from Kalimantan, which is known for its intricate beadwork.

Modern Use

Today, the national costumes of Indonesia are not only a symbol of cultural pride and heritage but also serve as an inspiration for contemporary fashion designers. These traditional garments are increasingly being incorporated into modern fashion, showcasing the versatility and timeless appeal of Indonesia's cultural attire.

See Also

• Culture of Indonesia
• Textiles of Indonesia
• Indonesian art